Violence as bailiffs evict residents of north London Sweets Way estate (VIDEO)

Residents of a north London housing estate are facing ongoing violence as High Court enforcement officers armed with heavy battering rams and sledgehammers, attempt to evict them from their homes, so the estate can be redeveloped.

Bailiffs arrived a 08:00 BST on Wednesday morning and have been trying to evict the last 100 residents of the estate ever since. Many residents have barricaded themselves into their houses or have climbed onto rooftops to avoid officers.

The move comes six months after the Sweets Way estate was occupied by housing protesters after the eviction of several families.

Fire engines, ambulances and police dog teams have been at the scene throughout the day.

Some of the residents have been carried out of their homes, while others were given ten minutes warning before their doors were battered down.

There have been reports of one resident receiving cuts to the face, after a window was smashed by bailiffs.

The eviction is the latest in an ongoing battle by a collection of residents, squatters and housing protesters over the redevelopment of the estate.

“Some people have places to stay, but we are homeless. We are going to sleep rough. It is just part of this corrupt system. When I was working if I had been paid double, worked twice as many hours and saved everything, I would only have been able to afford a £100,000 house and what can you buy for that.”

The properties will be taken over by Annington Homes, which will tear down the 142 houses and replace them with 288 new abodes. They insist that at least 59 will be classed as ‘affordable’.

“Annington very much supports the argument for more homes, both in London and elsewhere although there is a need for development to achieve this.”

“It is regrettable when homes need to be demolished, but Annington’s decision to development will see an increase in the number of homes by 100 percent,” a spokesman said.

“Today’s action relates to the mass eviction of over 50 properties currently illegally occupied by squatters. Two high court writs of possession have been issued for high court enforcement officers working in conjunction with police to clear the illegal occupation of the estate.”